American and Canadian Studies Year Abroad Information
American and Canadian Studies Year Abroad Information
American and Canadian Studies Year Abroad Information
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Trent 2 semesters 4 courses per semesterUniversity SchedulesClasses at <strong>Canadian</strong> universities begin the first Tuesday after the Labour Day holiday which occurs on the firstMonday in September. Classes at some U.S. universities begin in mid to late August while others start in earlySeptember after the Labor Day holiday. Exam sessions occur in December <strong>and</strong> classes resume in January. Classesat <strong>Canadian</strong> universities end in early April <strong>and</strong> the remainder of April is for exams. Some U.S. universities follow asimilar pattern while others have classes that extend into May followed by exams.PERSONAL STATEMENTThis is part of some application forms although the length-requirement varies considerable from university touniversity. While it is not crucial, it is nevertheless a useful way of organizing <strong>and</strong> clarifying your futureacademic plans <strong>and</strong> demonstrating to your potential host that you area motivated <strong>and</strong> enthusiastic student. Youshould emphasise your academic goals <strong>and</strong> how these relate to university choice <strong>and</strong> your career ambitions.Focus on how the courses, specialisms <strong>and</strong> departments of your chosen campus fit with your desired study path.If there are areas outside <strong>American</strong> or <strong>Canadian</strong> <strong>Studies</strong> at a particular campus that you are especially interestedin, you might mention these as well, e.g. an extra-curricular activity such as student journalism or a sport youwish to continue to pursue.The style is important: express yourself briefly, clearly, <strong>and</strong> assertively. There is a tendency for British studentsto understate their achievements. If possible, type, or at least write legibly with a black pen so it can bephotocopied. The <strong>Year</strong> <strong>Abroad</strong> Tutor will be glad to discuss the statement with you.OTHER APPLICATION MATERIALSYou MAY also need:- a letter of recommendation from ACS (e.g. from personal or academic tutor)-photocopies of your A Level certificates.- a transcript of courses with examination results taken in the first year, <strong>and</strong> courses being taken in thesecond year (obtainable from ACS)FINANCIAL ISSUESIf you are applying to universities in the U.S., you will probably need to provide documentation with yourapplication that demonstrates that you can cover the estimated costs of living <strong>and</strong> studying there. Your applicationmaterials will specify the amount if this is the case, <strong>and</strong> will most likely suggest forms of documentation which willprovide evidence, but keep reading for some suggestions.For locations which do not require this at the point of application, proof of financial support does not need to besubmitted until you are applying for your US or <strong>Canadian</strong> Visa. US or <strong>Canadian</strong> citizens will not need to providethis documentation.Before a campus may send the form (I-20 or DS-2019) allowing you to apply to the Embassy of the United Statesfor a visa (F-1 or J-1), it must be certain that you have adequate means to support yourself for the nine months ofacademic study. For this reason, it is ESSENTIAL that you supply FULL <strong>and</strong> SPECIFIC information.You must provide documented evidence of having access to at least the amount specified for the "estimated livingexpenses" for your campus. Every source of financial support must be proven with an official document whichspecifies a figure.